Significance of Bathing
Synonyms: Washing, Soaking, Cleansing, Rinsing, Ablution
In Malay: Mandi; In Dutch: Baden; In German: Baden; In Finnish: Uiminen; In Spanish: Baños; In Swedish: Badning; In Portugese: Banho; In Italian: Fare il bagno; In Polish: Kąpielowy; In French: Baignade
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Bathing'
Bathing in Buddhism encompasses self-washing, ritual significance, moral lessons on misconduct, and social dynamics, reflecting the balance between personal conduct, spiritual practice, and interpersonal relationships in Buddhist teachings.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) Something the monk should prepare for the preceptor, either cold or hot, according to the preceptor's preference.[1] (2) The act of washing oneself, which is critiqued in the context of how the monks should appropriately conduct themselves during bathing.[2]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The bath is a place for washing, and the young novice's actions regarding the bath led to the elder's discovery of his misconduct, highlighting the consequences of deceit.[3] (2) A routine activity that the princess wishes to perform, which sets up the opportunity for the prince’s scheme to unfold.[4]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The bath is a ritual where the Buddha was invited to, and the king's brother prepared hot water and perfumed oils, and also the place where Nanda had a great joy.[5]
Hindu concept of 'Bathing'
Bathing in Hinduism encompasses various interpretations, including purification, health benefits, and ritual preparation. It signifies cleansing before worship, liberation in sacred waters, and a transition from impurity to purity, emphasizing spiritual merit.
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Referenced as "snatva", it indicates that immersing oneself in the sacred lake washes away impurities, both physically and spiritually, leading to redemption.[6] (2) An action taken by Yashoda, using water to cleanse the son's limbs after he has been playing with other boys.[7] (3) The act of washing someone with specific substances, such as dust and liquid excretion from a bovine animal, as a prelude to a ritual.[8] (4) The act of cleansing or washing something, in this case, a hill, using specific liquids.[9] (5) "Bathing" in specific locations like Vidyadhara-kunda and Puccha-kunda is said to bestow great spiritual benefits, equivalent to performing yajnas.[10]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) "Bath" refers to the act of ablution performed by the devotees on the Lord inside the house, specifically in the courtyard following a dance.[11] (2) Bath refers to the act of cleansing in the Ganges, an activity that the Lord and His students participated in after teaching sessions.[12] (3) The act of "bathing" is mentioned as one of the actions, alongside drinking, that leads to purification and devotion when performed in the well's water.[13] (4) The bath is an activity that the girls undertook after taking the dust, potentially for purification or as part of a ritualistic process.[14] (5) The action of bathing is described as fulfilling a desire using the waters of the Ganges.[15]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) An activity that, along with others, becomes a medium through which individuals express their love for a divine being.[16] (2) It is one of the daily duties that the Lord has not performed due to distress.[17]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The act of bathing involves becoming immersed in water and touching a cow, which is described as a means to become pure after passing bodily refuse.[18] (2) Bathing is a purification rite mentioned in the text; it is sometimes sufficient to remove impurity, especially if the act of carrying the dead body was done as a meritorious act.[19] (3) The act of 'bathing' is mentioned as a necessary ritual following contact with certain impure individuals, highlighting the importance of purification.[20] (4) It stands for a peculiar sacrament prescribed in the Grihyasutras, as the limit for the observances of the Religious Student.[21] (5) According to Yajnavalkya, this is one of the Observances.[22]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The act of washing the body, which is important for purification before rituals.[23]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) A ritual act signifying the end of studentship, which must be performed before marriage.[24]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) A state achieved by the Snataka through bathing, which is associated with purification and the act of not begging afterward.[25]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) The bath signifies the end of studentship and involves specific rituals performed during a particular time of the year and under certain Nakshatras, as described in the text.[26]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) This is one of the actions the student is instructed to avoid, as part of the duties connected with the vow.[27]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Taking a bath signifies the end of studentship after finishing learning and offering something to the teacher or receiving permission.[28]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) This practice is viewed in Ayurveda as a ritualistic and therapeutic activity that is essential for preserving physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, going beyond simple body cleansing.[29] (2) This is a general measure, and the Garbhini should take a daily bath with cold decoctions of Vataghna Dravyas along with Sarvagandha drugs.[30] (3) Bathing is a parameter assessed in the Barthel index, which evaluates the patient's ability to wash and shower independently or with assistance during the treatment.[31]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana
(1) The act of immersing in water for cleansing, relaxation, and health benefits.[32]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) The act of cleaning the body with water, which is considered purifying and beneficial for health.[33]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A ceremonial act that marks the beginning of the Asvins' interest in Sukanya, emphasizing purity and beauty.[34]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) After bathing at the end of his studentship, the Brahmacarin should not beg alms because bathing drives off beggary and hunger from his kinsmen and deceased ancestors.[35] (2) The bath is where the initial garments are thrown into the water, which is described as a congruous performance, and the person then puts on one of the same garments afterwards.[36]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) Therapeutic immersions that can provide relief from thirst.[37]
Jain concept of 'Bathing'
In Jainism, Bathing symbolizes a ritual act of worship conducted by Viramati at Arhats' sites, emphasizing purification and devotion through the act of bathing as part of spiritual practices.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The bathing of Sahasramshu caused the water to overflow, leading to the submergence of the puja and inciting Dashanana's anger, as the water was impure.[38] (2) Bath was performed.[39] (3) A ritual act performed by Viramati as part of worship at the site of the Arhats.[40]
The concept of Bathing in local and regional sources
Bathing signifies an important ritual for the Princess, facilitating her engagement with the smith woman. This interaction likely serves as a pivotal moment in the storyline, linking personal growth or connections to broader themes.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Bathing is discussed in four different forms, with hearing and meditating on the Puranas and Hari-kirtans being superior to all others.[41] (2) The Brahmans were asked to do this before the feast and before receiving garments and gifts.[42]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) An activity performed by the boy in a certain tank, which leads to an encounter with the bonga maiden.[43]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) An activity the Princess undertakes that leads to her interaction with the smith woman.[44]
The concept of Bathing in scientific sources
Bathing, according to regional sources, is the act of washing oneself in a tub. It is a potentially dangerous activity for infants if they are not properly supervised.
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) The text indicates that bathing is a factor in functional status where differences between elderly subgroups can be observed, with frail patients exhibiting lower levels of bathing.[45] (2) It refers to the ability to wash oneself independently, a component of activities of daily living, with associated statistical values.[46] (3) The act of washing oneself in a tub, which can be a dangerous activity for infants if they are left unsupervised by parents.[47]
Classical concept of 'Bathing'
From: The Authoress of the Odyssey
(1) The bath is prepared for Ulysses to refresh him, symbolizing hospitality and care after his long journey, highlighting the Phaeacians' customs.[48]